Description

The Daytona story began like a love story with racecar drivers, one of the most successful drivers used to wear Rolex watches was Sir Malcom Campbell who set many speed records in Europe and in a Florida city called Daytona Beach, he attracted the attention of Rolex and became their ambassador.

In 1955 version, the Reference 6234, was labeled the “Rolex Chronograph” a pre-Daytona model.
The birth, in 1963 the Rolex Chronograph reference 6239 with a tachometer scale engrave on the bezel to enhance readability of the dial was released, incredibly the initial name Rolex used was “Le Mans”, another famous racetrack based in France.  It’s only by 1965 that the *Daytona* name started to be printed on the dial of the 6239.

Surprisingly the Daytona wasn’t a success back then, despite celebrities like Paul Newman endorsing it. Eventually the model became popular and a more modern version was released in 1988 using an automatic Zenith “El Primero” modified movement, the reference 16520 (steel), reference 16523 (in steel and gold) and reference 16528 (in yellow gold).  Main difference was the case size of 40mm, 3mm bigger than its predecessor and the adoption of a sapphire crystal to replace the Plexiglas.  The limited supply helped the watch achieve a cult status.

By 2000, Rolex started to use an in-house movement on the new 116500 series, it remained the most sought after model.

Daytona is the undisputed champion of the watch world. It packs all the ingredients of greatness. Provenance, perfection in terms of aesthetic and wearability, and the popularity. There are several variations of the Daytona, but there is one reference to rule them all!

The one that is truly worthy of claiming the throne, is our present reference 116576TBR, in platinum with baguette diamond bezel and Eastern Arabic Numerals – a gesture from the brand for the elite set of Middle Eastern clients and royalty.

It is so rare that some even call it a myth. This elusive model features a glacier blue dial, applied blued Eastern Arabic numerals and the bezel set with 36 baguette cut flawless diamonds. The case and bracelet are carved in platinum, the noblest of all precious metals.

This “piece extraordinaire” is offered in perfect condition, with the original box and warranty card.

Rolex – bio

Founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London, initially as Wilsdorf & Davis Ltd. Renamed Rolex by 1908 and moved its base of operations to Geneva, Switzerland in 1919.  Their success is due to their innovation namely the legendary “Oyster” case – first water resistant watch and their extremely reliable movements.
The most famous models are Datejust, Day-Date, Daytona, Explorer, GMT-Master, Submariner and many more.
The company is owned by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, a family private trust.
One story, never confirmed by Wilsdorf, recounts that the name came from the French words “horlogerie exquise”‘è, meaning “exquisite clockwork”.